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Policy on Drug-Free Campus

This statement is being distributed to all Jackson State employees, including faculty, and students in compliance with the provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. • 701, et. seq.) and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (20 U.S.C. • 3171, et. seq.).

Policy

It is the policy of Jackson State that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, use or abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs on the Jackson State campus, on property owned or controlled by Jackson State, or as part of any activity of Jackson State is strictly prohibited. All employees and students are subject to applicable federal, state and local laws related to this matter. Additionally, any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary actions as set forth in the JSCC Student Handbook.

Legal Sanctions

Various federal, state and local statutes make it unlawful to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver, sell or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver or sell, controlled substances. The penalty imposed depends upon many factors which include the type and amount of controlled substance involved, the number of prior offenses, if any, whether death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of such substance, and whether any other crimes were committed in connection with the use of the controlled substance. Possible maximum penalties for a first-time violation include imprisonment for any period of time up to a term of life imprison- ment, a fine of up to $4,000,000, supervised release, any combination of the above, or all three. These sanctions are doubled when the offense involves either: 1) distribution or possession at or near a school or college campus, or 2) distribution to persons under 21 years of age. Repeat offenders may be punished to a greater extent as provided by statute. Further, a civil penalty of up to $10,000 may be assessed for simple possession of “personal use amounts” of certain specified substances under federal law. Under state law, the offense of possession or casual exchange is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor; if there is an exchange between a minor and an adult at least two years the minor’s senior, and the adult knew that the person was a minor, the offense is classified a felony as provided in T.C.A. 39-17-417. (21 U.S.C. 801, et. seq.; T.C.A. 39-17-417).

It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one (21) to buy, possess, transport (unless in the course of his employment), or consume alcoholic beverages, wine, or beer, such offenses being classified Class A misdemeanors punishable by imprisonment for not more than 11 months, 29 days, or a fine of not more than $2,500, or both. (T.C.A. 1-3-113, 57-5- 301). It is further an offense to provide alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of twenty-one (21), such offense being classified a Class A misdemeanor. (T.C.A. 39-15-404). The offense of public intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than 30 days or a fine of not more than $50, or both. (T.C.A. 39-17-310)

Sanctions

Jackson State will impose the appropriate sanction(s) on any student or employee who fails to comply with the terms of this policy.

Possible disciplinary sanctions for failure to comply with the terms of this policy may include one or more of the following:

Expulsion

Suspension

Mandatory participation in, and satisfactory completion of a drug/ alcohol abuse program or rehabilitation program —Referral for prosecution

Probation

Warning

Reprimand

As a condition of employment, each employee, including student employees, must abide by the terms of this policy, and must notify his/her department head/supervisor of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction. A conviction includes a finding of guilt, a plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of a sentence by any state or federal judicial body. Possible disciplinary sanctions for failure to comply with this policy, including failure to notify of conviction, may include one or more of the following:

Termination

Suspension

Mandatory participation in, and satisfactory completion of a drug/alcohol abuse program, or rehabilitation program

Recommendation for professional counseling —Referral for prosecution

Letter of warning

Probation

Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol

There are many health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol including organ damage; impairment of brain activity, digestion, and blood circulation; impairment of physiological processes and mental functioning; and physical and psychological dependence. Such use during pregnancy may cause spontaneous abortion, various birth defects or fetal alcohol syndrome. Additionally, the illicit use of drugs increases the risk of contracting hepatitis, AIDS, and other infections. If used exces- sively, the use of alcohol or drugs singly or in certain combinations may cause death.

Students who wish to contact drug and alcohol counseling, treatment and rehabilitation programs may obtain information on such programs from the college’s Counseling office at 425-2616.

Following is a list of some area alcohol and drug treatment centers. Jackson State does not endorse any treatment providers, nor does the college provide financial support for students’ treatment programs.